Smart Cities: Enhancing Urban Living Through Technology

Day 1 : 15:55 – 16:55

Join us for an engaging panel session as we explore the transformative potential of technology in creating more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive urban environments.

In an increasingly urbanized world, cities face numerous challenges such as congestion, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure. However, advancements in technology offer promising solutions to address these issues and improve the quality of life for Hong Kong citizens. This panel session will bring together thought leaders, experts, and innovators from various disciplines to discuss the role of technology in shaping the future of cities.

Whether you are a policy maker, urban planner, technologist, or simply interested in the future of cities, this panel session will provide a platform for insightful discussions and exchange of ideas. Join us as we explore how technology can transform cities into more liveable, sustainable, and connected communities.

Learnings

  • How can smart city initiatives ensure inclusivity and bridge the digital divide to benefit all citizens?
  • What are the potential economic, social, and environmental benefits of investing in smart city technologies?
  • What are the key factors that contribute to the successful implementation of smart city projects, and what are the common pitfalls to avoid?
  • What are the future trends and emerging technologies that hold promise for further enhancing urban living and sustainability?

Post-event Actions

  • Gain insights into real-world examples of successful smart city initiatives and learn about the potential benefits they can bring to Hong Kong.
  • Learn from experts about their expertise and experiences, highlighting best practices, lessons learned, and innovative approaches to urban development.

Speakers

Akina Ho

AllStarsWomen DAO

Co-Founder

Akina Ho is the Co-Founder of AllStarsWomen DAO, Not Your Token, and the Hong Kong PropTech Alliance, and serves as a Board Advisor at BEETc. A recognized thought leader in emerging technologies, Akina is at the forefront of AI and Web3, with expertise in DAOs.

In 2020, She led the creation of the VC arm at Great Eagle Group, where she served on the Investment Committee, investing in transformative technologies and disruptive business models. In 2017, she was part of the executive team that built a Hong Kong unicorn, backed by Foxconn and SoftBank.

With over 20 years of global experience in change management, digital transformation, strategy consulting, marketing, finance, hospitality, and sales operations, Akina is a sought-after speaker. She has been featured on Bloomberg, Fox International, and global stages including Collision 2024 and Huawei AI Summits 2024, sharing insights on AI, Web3, and transformative leaderships.

Steven Lai

Chief Executive, Environmental Engineering

Steven Lai is the Chief Executive of Environmental Engineering at ATAL Engineering Group, overseeing the Group’s environmental engineering operations. With over 30 years of experience in infrastructure mechanical and electrical engineering, Steven has a proven track record in designing and implementing innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency, sustainability and cost-effectiveness of water, wastewater, solid waste, gas treatment processes and infrastructure projects in Hong Kong and overseas.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

Increased use of renewable energy and hydrogen, proper and effective waste separation to enhance recycling and waste-to-energy, more underground infrastructure, and use of AI with big data

Victor Li

Dunwell Environmental Management Co., Ltd.

General Manager

Victor C. Li is the General Manager of Dunwell Environment Management Company Ltd, one of the pioneering environmental management and technology providers in Hong Kong.

With over 28 years of exposure in environmental & waste management fields, Victor possesses substantial experience applying overseas environmental technologies. He oversees the Hong Kong operation of various chemical waste management programs, remediation and cleanup and one stop recycling services or clients including HKSAR government, major utility companies, property management sectors, transportation companies, etc. Victor has been actively advising various environmental companies from Europe, North America, Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific on the latest technological development and market dynamics and presenting in many overseas conferences and occasions.

Victor is the current executive committee member as well as past chairman of Hong Kong Waste Management Association, the Executive Vice President of the Hong Kong Environmental Industry Association. He also served as the Member for HKSAR’s Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF) Research Projects Vetting Subcommittee (RPVS) and Project Management Committee member of the Cleaner Production Partnership Programme.

My Sustainability Goal for 2025:

City wide engagement in implementing some down-to-the-earth sustainability programs

Dr Jun Zhao

Hong Kong Baptist University

Associate Professor, Department of Biology

Dr. Zhao Jun is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biology and the Institute of Advanced Materials at Hong Kong Baptist University. He obtained his Ph.D. from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. Dr. Zhao’s research primarily focuses on heterogeneous catalysis and its applications in biomass conversion and waste utilization. He specializes in integrating the design and selection of nanomaterials with process design advancements to enhance conversion efficiency and waste-to-fuel and chemical technologies. He has published over ninety research papers and has led several research projects on the utilization of biomass resources and clean energy.
Dr. Zhao is a member of the Chinese Chemical Society, the Chinese Society for Environmental Sciences, and the American Chemical Society. Dr. Zhao serves as a guest editor or editorial board member for journals such as Energy, Ecology and Environmental, Energy Materials, Bioresource Technology, Environmental Pollution, Environmental Technology, Waste Disposal & Sustainable Energy, Engineering Report etc.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

With thanks to